Local Women Honored at Annual Ceremony Hosted by Senator Morrell

“Women of Distinction” recognized for work throughout the Inland Empire

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

On October 16, Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) partnered with the National Latina Business Women Association – Inland Empire to host the 11th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony, recognizing 44 women from around the 23rd State Senate District for their work in the community.

Over 340 guests filled the hall at the Orton Center on the University of Redlands campus to celebrate the honorees, including local elected leaders and officials.

“It’s a privilege every year to honor women from around the Inland Empire who demonstrate a deep commitment to their friends, family, and the community at large,” said Morrell. “These women are making the Inland Empire a better place to live and I’m grateful for the work they do.”

Each year, the Women of Distinction Ceremony showcases the service of women from throughout the region who demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Since the program began, over 500 women have been recognized. Awardees are nominated by members of the public from business and civic leaders to past honorees. A committee made up of various women’s groups and past honorees selected the 2015 finalists and Women of Distinction.

This year, cities and communities in the 23rd Senate District were each represented by three finalists for the Woman of Distinction honor. The ceremony also highlighted the work of two “Women of the Year” – Maribel Brown of San Bernardino County and Sally Myers of Riverside County. (Biographies and photos of both women are included below).

“It is inspiring to learn about these women’s accomplishments,” continued Morrell. “America’s greatness comes from her people, those that go out of their way to better their community and help their neighbor. These women not only live up to that ideal, they exceed it.”

Maribel Brown believes in giving 100 percent when she commits to doing something. She has often said, “Do it right, or not at all.” She is an accomplished business owner, wife, mother, and a new grandmother. Maribel, along with her husband Kevin, own and operate Minuteman Press of Rancho Cucamonga.

Their location is one of the leading Minuteman franchises throughout the United States. They recently won the prestigious National Top Sales, Quality and Performance Award given by Minuteman Press Headquarters. The company is well known for its generosity and support of numerous charities, non-profit organizations, and businesses in the local region.

Maribel has been active in the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years, investing countless hours to ensure the organization’s success. Recently, Maribel took the initiative to refocus the chamber’s goals and directives. Her efforts were recognized and celebrated when she was recently elected as the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce 2015-2016 Board of Directors Chairperson.

Maribel’s business success is rivaled only by her philanthropic spirit. Recently, with the assistance of the chamber board and the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the chamber was able to contribute to and participate in the Special Olympics World Games, making the city a Host Town sponsor.

Maribel is a Rancho Cucamonga Rotarian, and also serves on the Board of Trustees of the San Bernardino Medical Center Foundation. During her involvement on the board, the Foundation has raised over $400,000 to support the Radiology Department and the Heart Care Clinic.

Maribel is one of the six women who helped establish the Women of St. Bernardine organization. Her participation in this group, as well as her financial support, continue to impact our communities in a positive way.

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Caption: Maribel Brown is recognized as the San Bernardino County Woman of the Year at the 11th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony.

Riverside County Woman of the Year – Sally A. Myers

Sally Myers will tell you that her lifelong commitment is to be the woman that God has called her to be in her personal, family, business, and community life. Sally believes that we must encourage and teach children to be responsible citizens, value education, practice integrity, and have a heart of service.

Sally and her husband started BMW Management in 1983. Today BMW Management is the largest Sizzler Restaurant franchise in the country. The Myers employ over 1,400 people in California. Sally is the Vice President of Marketing and works closely with her husband in all areas of the business.

Sally’s most satisfying passion is her High School Student of the Month Recognition and Scholarship Program which began in 1992. The program honors college bound high school seniors in Southwest Riverside County who are exemplary in their character, love of learning, passion, community service, or who have persevered through challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. The legacy of her Student Recognition Program has inspired others to start programs in the Hemet San Jacinto Valley. Sally appreciates how the community works together to encourage and lift up the youth in the Valley.

Sally’s daily passion and mission is to add value to others through intentional, heart-felt influence and service. She knows that you must go the extra mile to get ahead, be willing to invest and sacrifice to reach your goals, and genuinely care for others in order to lead with integrity.

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Caption: Sally Myers is recognized as the Riverside County Woman of the Year at the 11th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony.